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Astros signed RHP Joe Smith to a two-year, $15 million contract.

The two-year deal was first reported by Brian McTaggart of MLB.com, with Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic later filling in the financial details. Smith, 33, struck out 71 batters with a 3.33 ERA in 54 innings of relief this past season while splitting time between the Blue Jays and Indians. He should find a home in a high-leverage role with Houston next year. Wed, Dec 13, 2017 09:20:00 PM

Brian McTaggart of MLB.com reports that the Astros are signing Joe Smith to a two-year deal.

The deal is pending a physical, McTaggart notes. Smith, 33, spent the 2017 season with Toronto and Cleveland, posting a 3.33 ERA while striking out 71 batters in 54 innings. He's shown the ability to get right-handed and left-handed hitters out, and the ability to handle high-leverage situations throughout his 11-year career. He's a clear upgrade for the Houston bullpen in 2018. Wed, Dec 13, 2017 06:21:00 PM

According to Mike Puma of the New York Post, the Mets are "keeping tabs" on free agent reliever Joe Smith.

They're also said to be monitoring the markets for Addison Reed, Bryan Shaw, and left-hander Mike Minor. Smith is a favorite of former Indians pitching coach Mickey Callaway, who became the Mets' manager earlier this month. The sidearming right-hander registered a sharp 3.33 ERA, 1.04 WHIP, and 71/10 K/BB ratio in 54 innings this past season between Toronto and Cleveland. Thu, Nov 23, 2017 01:34:00 PM

Joe Smith recorded his first save of the season on Friday, recording the final out in the first game of a doubleheader against the Tigers.

Smith was called upon to face Miguel Cabrera with the bases loaded and two outs in the ninth inning, with the Indians clinging to a one-run lead. He did his job on three pitches, getting Cabrera on a line out to the shortstop. Smith owns an excellent 3.11 ERA and 0.97 WHIP on the season. Fri, Sep 1, 2017 06:55:00 PM

Depth Charts

Yuli Gurriel (hand) returned to Astros' camp Monday and went through a light workout.

Gurriel required surgery last Wednesday to remove the hook of the hamate bone in his left hand. He's due to miss 5-6 weeks and will also serve a five-game suspension for his insensitive gesture to Yu Darvish during the World Series, so a return in mid-to-late April is likely.

Brady Rodgers (elbow) threw off a mound Tuesday for the first time since undergoing Tommy John surgery last May.

It was the second career Tommy John procedure for Rodgers, who likely won't be an option for the Astros until the middle of the 2018 regular season. The 27-year-old right-hander holds a promising 3.37 ERA in 275 career innings at the Triple-A level. He made his major league debut with the Astros in 2016.

Dean Deetz has been suspended 80 games for performance-enhancing drug use.

Deetz tested positive for Dehydrochlormethyltestosterone, also known as Oral Turinabol. The 24-year-old right-hander had a 4.25 ERA, 1.45 WHIP, and 97/50 K/BB ratio in 84 2/3 innings last season between Double-A Corpus Christi and Triple-A Fresno, and he was added to the Astros' 40-man roster in November. Deetz was an 11th-round pick in 2014 out of Northeast Oklahoma A&M.

Jandel Gustave (elbow) is expected to begin throwing off a mound in late March.

Gustave underwent Tommy John reconstructive elbow surgery last June and will likely be rehabbing until late July or early August. The 25-year-old righty owns a 3.98 ERA, 1.43 WHIP, and 18/11 K/BB ratio in 20 1/3 career major league innings.